First Degree Perineal Laceration

                                                                                                                         
Definition:

  • 1st degree lacerations involve only the mucosa of the vestibule and dorsal vulval commissure and are the least severe injury 
  • May be associated with unassisted delivery of a large foal or as a sequelae of dystocia

Management:

  • They can usually heal spontaneously.
  • If there is however significant damage a Caslick’s procedure can be used for repair. The clinician may choose to wait until swelling has subsided or till granulation tissue has started to form.
  • To aid in recovery the mare can be given bran mash or mineral oil to facilitate defecation during the initial inflammatory period.

Drugs that can be used in management:

  • Should at least use tetanus prophylaxis, broad-spectrum antibiotics and NSAID therapy
  • Daily wound cleaning and antiseptic cream can be applied to the area to encourage healing and aid in prevention of infection

Drug class

Drug name

Recommended dosage and route

Volume of drug to be used

Prophylactic drug

Tetanus toxoid and  antitoxin

1mL IM

---------

Antibiotic

Procaine Penicillin

22,000-44,000 units/kg IM every 12 hours (25,000 units used)

Conc: 1,000,000units

11.25mls

Analgesia

Flunixin meglumine

1.1mg/kg IV or IM once daily up to 5 days

Conc: 50mg/ml

9.9ml